"Francisca" (throwing axe)
Culture
Frankish
Dateabout 500–800
Mediumiron with traces of wood
Dimensions8.9 × 16.8 cm (3 1/2 × 6 5/8 in.), 1 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsPaper tag pasted on side reads "Andernach".
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.678
DescriptionExcavated condition. Iron head, with convex cutting edge. Body of head tapers towards downturned peen, pierced axially for oval-section haft. Traces of wood remain in shaft hole.Label TextThis axehead was once mounted on a short wooden shaft, and may have been used as a throwing weapon. Such axes were used by the Franks, the tribal people who conquered Roman Gaul and eventually turned it into the kingdom of France.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Sumner Healey, N.Y. 30 April 1929. Given to the Armory on 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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